The Creative Act Is a Way of Being
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
Ideas don’t come from us, but through us
Rick Rubin, one of the most influential music producers of our time, has shaped the soundtracks of artists ranging from Johnny Cash to Jay-Z. Known for his minimalist approach and profound sensitivity to artistic expression, Rubin has been a key figure in redefining modern music. His book The Creative Act: A Way of Being isn’t just about making music. It talks about his reflections on life as a creative being.
Everyone Is a Creator
Creativity is not a gift. It is a way of living. Creativity is universal—something everyone possesses. It's not about mastering an art form, but rather about engaging with the world in a mindful, open way. This view democratizes creativity and encourages people to tap into their potential by paying attention to the world around them. This book shares the way Rick views the world and how he lives and works. Being playful without trying to make it impactful and serious allows for ideas to flow through you. It is intentional and done with love.
Intentionality explained
An old man in Calcutta fetched water from a well every day, carefully lowering and raising a clay pot by hand. A traveler, seeing the old man’s slow process, suggested using a pulley system to make it faster and easier. The traveler explained that the pulley would let the pot fill with water without hitting the sides of the well. The old man thinks for moment and says, “I think I’m going to keep doing it the way I always have. I really have to think about each movement and there’s a great deal of care that goes into doing it right. I’d imagine if I were to use the pulley, it would become easy and I might even start thinking about something else while doing it. If I put so little care and time into it, what might the water taste like? It couldn’t possibly taste as good.”
These are the notes I made from the book. What I write in one page is what I will remember. Visuals help me do just that.
Summary
This is not a book about techniques. It is a book that taught me the philosophy of creativity. Think of it as the doctoral thesis Rick Rubin wrote after living the creative life. Not all projects take time, but they do take a lifetime. This is the book that holds a lifetime of insights.
Check out his podcast called Tetragrammaton
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